As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, one thing is certain – pumpkin spice season is upon us. From lattes to donuts, and even trash bags, the flavor is everywhere you turn. But pumpkin spice is just the beginning of the fall flavor explosion that takes over this time of year.
One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of fall is by taking a scenic drive to admire the changing foliage. USA TODAY’s 10 Best team has compiled a list of the most beautiful drives to see this year’s fall colors. So grab your hiking boots and a pumpkin spice coffee, and hit the road to experience the stunning autumn scenery.
The pumpkin spice craze kicks off in mid-August, with Pumpkin Spice Lattes flowing at Krispy Kreme and Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnuts coming out of the oven. Even the global brand officer for Krispy Kreme is surprised by the early start to pumpkin spice season, but the demand is undeniable. Other major chains like Starbucks, Dunkin‘, Tim Hortons, and 7-Eleven are also jumping on the pumpkin spice bandwagon with their own seasonal offerings.
But pumpkin spice isn’t just limited to coffee and donuts. Pumpkin beers have also become a fall staple, with popular brews like Dogfish Head Punkin Ale and Southern Tier Pumking hitting the shelves earlier each year. The seasonal beer market sees a significant boost during the fall months, with pumpkin and Oktoberfest beers dominating sales.
With the rise of pumpkin spice products, some may wonder if the trend has become oversaturated. While spending on pumpkin products has seen a slight decline in recent years, overall consumption continues to rise. People are eager to embrace fall flavors like pumpkin, apple, caramel, and cinnamon, leading to a surge in new products hitting the market.
Despite the popularity of pumpkin spice, it’s important to note that there is actually no pumpkin in the spice blend itself. Made of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, pumpkin spice was originally created to enhance the flavor of pumpkin pie. The trend of pumpkin spice exploded in the early 2010s and has since become a seasonal favorite for many.
In addition to the traditional pumpkin spice offerings, there are some wild and unexpected pumpkin products on the market. From pumpkin spice avocado oil to pumpkin spice beard oil, the possibilities are endless. Companies are getting creative with their fall-themed products, offering consumers a wide range of options to satisfy their pumpkin spice cravings.
So whether you’re a die-hard pumpkin spice fan or just looking to embrace the flavors of fall, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. From pumpkin spice lattes to pumpkin beer, and everything in between, the fall season is the perfect time to indulge in all things pumpkin spice. So grab a cozy sweater, head out on a scenic drive, and enjoy the flavors of fall in all their pumpkin spice glory.